Hey peeps! Yes, I've finally got a new chappie!! I've decided that I'm gonna cut down on how long each chapter is so I can update more often, and also because they are becoming ridiculously long, this one is over 4,600 words!! Too long! I know this may seem a bit boring at the mo, but I have to set the scene, so to speak, before I can really get going! It'll really begin to pick up in the next few chapters, so please keep reading! Thanks again for your reviews. Very grateful! Keep an eye out for updates as they'll hopefully be coming out sooner rather than later, though you must bare in mind that I'm in my final year of GCSEs so I'm quite busy with coursework/homework/exams (grrr!!!). Ciao for now!

Legolas woke very early in the morning, surprised to find Faranthir standing at the balcony. It was still about an hour before dawn. Legolas got up and walked silently towards her. He put his arms around her waist, which made her jump, as she hadn't heard him approach, with his soft Elven steps.

"Why are you up so early?" he whispered into her ear.

"I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. What about you?"

"I couldn't feel your warmth beside me. I wondered where you had gone."

They stood together for a while, musing over what had happened the previous night. In a way, this was one of the things that connected them – they often thought the same things and would soon learn that a bond as strong as their relationship would become, would sometimes let each other know what the other was thinking.

"Legolas?"

"Hm?" was his quiet reply.

"This isn't a game that you are playing with me is it? I need to know and I hope you will give me an honest answer."

Legolas was slightly shocked that she thought he might do that, but, he thought, it wasn't surprising as her people had not trusted the Northern people for centuries. He turned her round so that she faced him, and she was met by a serious look on his face.

"No Faranthir, I could not, and would not, do that to anyone."

"So this is no bet or a joke with your brothers?"

"No Faranthir! You must learn to trust me."

"I know but it's hard," she cupped his cheek, "But I also know that you speak the truth. I am sorry for doubting you. I shall give you this to show you that I trust you, even with my most precious possession."

Faranthir reached around her neck and undid the clasp of her feather-shaped necklace. It shimmered in the moonlight, the diamonds twinkling like the stars. She handed it to Legolas who looked at it for a few seconds taking in its beauty.

"Faranthir..." He began, but she shook her head vigorously, presuming he would refuse it, "Well if I accept this, you must have mine."

"Nay, I do not want anything in return, Legolas."

He ignored her and retrieved a deep green elm-leaf shaped trinket from around his neck. Studded with emeralds, the greenish colour ever changing in the moonlight - lighter, then darker - as Legolas took it off.

"Here, a gift for you."

Faranthir's eyes widened at what he was giving her and turned around, Legolas placing it over her head.

"The chain is mithril," He professed as he fastened the clasp. He turned her around to see how it looked. Perfect, he thought as it hung low on her breastbone.

"If you are ever discovered or in trouble in Northern Mirkwood, present this. There were only five made, two were presented to the royal family and the other three to various people of high stature in the North. They are well-known items and are easily recognisable to Northern elves."

"Who in the royal family has the other one?" She asked.

"My father, of course. I only have this one because my mother gave it to me as the eldest of her children."

"No, I cannot accept this Legolas, if it belonged to one that you loved so much," she told him solemnly.

"No Faranthir, I wish for you to keep it. You are special like she was and the necklace is."

"Thank you."

He kissed her on the cheek, "Come, it is cold out here, let's go inside." Legolas took Faranthir's hand and led her back indoors.

"I hear there is a ball being held tonight. I wanted to ask you for just one dance," He asked, a cheeky smile spreading across his lips.

"Oh well I'm sure that would be most inappropriate, so of course I shall!" Faranthir replied, one eyebrow raised.

"Very well!"

"I must get back before dawn breaks. The servants will be calling shortly after and I do not wish to be seen leaving your lodgings."

Legolas sighed in dismay but agreed.

"Until tonight then..." he said.

"Until tonight." He caressed her long, soft hair and whispered,

"I will be counting the minutes. Goodbye."

"Goodbye Legolas." She kissed him on the cheek then walked out of the door past a few lodgings, including her father's, back to her own.

Faranthir's maid had indeed come early that morning, around seven, to 'wake' the princess. It was now around lunchtime and Faranthir was in the seamstress' room being fitted for a new dress for the evening ball. Harathnor was also in the room, giving his opinion on which colours, fabrics and style she should have, although she already knew what she liked and disliked.

"But the light pink looks so nice on you!" He argued.

"No father, it is boring and no doubt every other maiden at the ball shall be wearing a similar summery colour. This green accentuates my eyes, you see? And the fabric is beautiful; it glistens like the sea and is soft to the touch. Please can I have it?!"

"You have good taste like your mother did, Faranthir, so therefore I must trust your judgment," He sighed.

"Thank you father!" she shouted excitedly, "Trust me, you'll love it when it's finished!"

She handed the material to the seamstress, who then showed them out. Harathnor took Faranthir's arm as they walked together down the steps to the hall where lunch was being served.

"And what about your wedding dress? Have you decided on anything yet?" The Southern King asked.

Faranthir, reminded again of this terrible forthcoming event, looked away and cringed.

"No, not yet, father. I have seen a few but there is nothing definite," She replied trying to hold an up-beat tone of voice.

"Well, you should choose soon, the happy occasion is only a few months away!"

"I know," she said in a quiet voice. Harathnor picked up on this instantly.

"Faranthir, you must accept that this is the man that I have chosen for you, and I am sure your mother would, and you are going to marry him. There could not be a more honest, loyal and respectful Elf that I could ever give you. Tethril will make an excellent husband and hopefully one day a father." Faranthir nearly choked. She would never let any poor creature endure what she did at the hands of Tethril, let alone a child. Respectful?! Honest?!, "Why can't you see this?"

Faranthir had to think of an excuse, quickly. She wished, though, that she could tell her father about all the suffering that that man had caused her. She wished her father could see past his false exterior and find the real malice in Tethril. She wished more though that she was with Legolas, because he understood these things.

"I am not ungrateful to you father at all. I just hoped that in time I would fall in love and choose the man that I wished to marry..." This wasn't a lie though, she had wanted for that.

"Finding love takes time. A lot of time. It could be hundreds, possibly thousands of years before that happens. Anyway, you will learn to love him. I've told you before and I shall tell you again, my decision is final."

"I understand father."

"Now we will not speak of this matter any further. Come, let's go and find some lunch."

She ate little and afterwards went to the stables to find Larendil, someone she knew she could speak to. A curious sight met her when she got to her horse's stable. The door was shut and bolted, but Namroth was lying down next to Larendil. They simultaneously looked up at Faranthir when she approached.

"How did you get in here?" she asked Namroth. The horse snorted and lay his head back down again, "Your owner let you in didn't he?"

Faranthir opened the stable door.

"Come on. You are free animals. You should not be kept indoors all of the time. Follow me."

Larendil got up first shortly followed by Namroth. With one horse at each side, Faranthir led them out of the stable block along a dusty path down to the fields.

"Now go and have fun, but keep close! I will stay here. Go!"

The horses trotted off together a little way away then instantly put their heads down to eat the lush grass.

Faranthir lay down looking up at the sky. Huge rolling clouds loomed overhead. Shapes and faces, animals, castles and dragons could all be seen in the white masses. The sun sneaking behind one of them cast huge shadows that could be seen spreading across the land, but was bathed in pure sunlight only a few moments later when the cloud moved on.

One cloud presented the face of young woman. Her hair swept back and her sharp features like those of an Elf. It was strange, Faranthir thought as she noticed the pointed ears that cloud could show such a perfect image of an Elf. When she looked closer, Faranthir was sure it was someone she recognised, though she couldn't remember who. A face she hadn't seen in long time. Suddenly it struck her – this clear portrait was her mother. It was over a thousand years ago that Faranthir had last seen her. Arayellen was her name - she had been killed in an attack from Dol Guldor, Faranthir had witnessed it herself, but had blocked the moment from her memory for a long, long time. A small grey-skinned orc approached from behind hacking down with blow into her mother. Faranthir's eyes clamped shut wanting to forget again.

'What would she do? If she was engaged to an appalling excuse for an Elf like Tethril, but had fallen for another, who was forbidden. One that was caring and kind and loving...' Faranthir thought.

'What is right,' came the reply, but this was not Faranthir's voice. It was a soothing, comforting voice that had come from inside her head, 'You know what obstacles you will face. You know in your heart that you could never marry him even by the rule of your father. Take a chance, it could change your life, my daughter.'

'Mother!'

'I have always been watching over you, Faranthir. I know what this Elf your father has chosen does to you. Your father is wrong, I would not have chosen him, I would have left you to choose and this is what you must do now. Legolas did not lie to you earlier; this is not a game to him. He cares for you, Faranthiril. He is right for you.'

'I know, but father would never understand.'

'He may eventually.'

'What does that mean?'

'He only wants what is best for you Faranthir, for you are his only child.'

Faranthir was angry. She hated her father for giving her to Tethril.

'Do you believe in fate, Faranthiril?'

'I do not know.'

'Perhaps it was fate that chose Tethril for you, so that you would take refuge in Legolas' arms. Perhaps Legolas and you are the key to Mirkwood's future. You could unite it!'

'Is that what you believe?'

'Yes. If your father understood...'

'I know mother. It will be an incredible challenge. He is so stubborn!'

Good Luck Faranthiril. I must go. Goodbye.'

"Goodbye," Faranthir said aloud solemnly. Her eyes fixed on the cloud, which quickly rolled into another blob in the sky. She turned onto her side, the tears sliding to the ground. She played the conversation over and over in her mind.

"'He is right for you'"

These words meant a lot to her. Someone that was once of the South, accepting that she wanted to be with the Prince of the North. The future of Mirkwood, what did that hold?

She lay on the field contemplating this for a few hours, contemplating her own future. She just wanted to see Legolas and tell him what had happened and have him put his arms around her. She knew she would have to wait until the evening because he could be anywhere in the city.

As evening approached, Faranthir called the horses and led them back inside. The groom was ready and waiting to feed them but Faranthir asked if she could do it instead. She wondered for a minute whether she should stable them separately or let them be together. Eventually she decided that that Namroth could choose.

"Which stable, boy? Your own or with Larendil?"

The horse instantly walked into the other horse's stable and nuzzled against its neck.

"Very well then. Good night."

She bolted the door and left to get ready for the event. Her mother was still on her mind though. She wondered if she should tell her father – no, he wouldn't believe her, as always, and would accuse her of seeking attention while violating the memory of her beloved mother. He was so predictable.

Faranthir reached her lodgings and was met there by her maid, Elderian, clutching the fine-looking new dress.

"Good evening milady. Your dress is ready and I am here to help you with it."

"Thank you. Come in," Faranthir motioned. The maid stepped into Faranthir's room and pulled out a screen for the princess to undress behind. She slipped behind and took of the garments she was wearing and was handed the evening dress. The delicate green material sparkled as Faranthir positioned it over her attractive figure. She walked out from behind the screen and asked Elderian to do up the fastening at the back.

The rear of the dress sloped down to the small of her back with a small clip by the neck to keep it together, the bottom flowing down to the floor in waves of sea-green. The sharp ends of the shoulders were in contrast to the open-ended three-quarter length sleeves. The front, however, was even more dramatic – although the v-shaped neckline plunged no further than her chest (for she was a taken woman and could not provoke more interest) it flattered her shapely bosom. The base of the dress on the upper body pointed in an arrow shape to the fluid fabric beneath. Green silk slippers finished the look. She couldn't help but think that the necklace Legolas had given her looked perfect with the outfit, but she had to take it off and chose to wear a silver pendant instead. Her hair – what could she do with it? Her usual style was always best, she thought. So by taking the front back and tying it, the rest lying over her shoulders and down her back, she was complete. Simply put, she looked like a princess.

"You look stunning," Elderian said bluntly. Faranthir smiled.

"Thank you. What time does the ball begin exactly?"

"Well the guests have already be-" She was interrupted by a knock at the door. Elderian answered it.

There stood Harathnor in a fine tunic waiting to accompany his daughter.

"Are you ready?" He asked.

"Yes, father."

"Good, then let's go. You were right, you have chosen a lovely dress."

Faranthir walked out and thanked Elderian for her help then took her father's arm before walking off towards the great hall. When they arrived there were mostly Men and Elves sat around tables set out in square around the dance floor. They were seated not too far from the King. Faranthir scanned the hall for Legolas or any sign of the Northern party, but could see none. She was handed a glass of wine which she sipped as listening intently to a conversation that was being held by her father and another Elf.

"...And his sons! Cavorting off with women, especially the eldest!" the other Elf exclaimed. Faranthir cringed at hearing this.

"I know Gadarthen. They are simply revealing the true side of the Greenleaf family."

The Elf nodded in agreement. "Speaking of, look who have just arrived."

Entering through a door on the other side of the hall, came Thranduil and his three sons. Legolas was fond of his brothers, but especially the closest in age, Lerogan. They got on well and could spend all day together, which most siblings find hard to do! They had the occasional spat, but nothing major ever seemed to cause grief between them. Their younger brother, Laigolin, was often thought of as immature, and became jealous of the close friendship his brothers had. He often sought the most attention from their father too, which annoyed Legolas and Lerogan. The eldest two often found that they had the same taste in women, and tonight was no exception. Lerogan as well as Legolas was also looking across the hall at the young elleth in a shimmering green dress, her long dark hair falling across her shoulders. Faranthir sought his eyes but found Lerogan's instead and immediately looked downwards. He smiled, proud that he had made her bashful, but was confused by the annoyed look that Legolas gave him.

"What, brother? You like her too? We always had good taste!" He joked.

"Something like that, Lerogan. Come, enough of her," he said quickly trying to change the subject. They were seated adjacent to the Harathnor's party but were still quite a way away.

The festivities were started by a short speech by the King, welcoming them. The wine flowed freely and the soft music filled the hall. It eventually became livelier as couples began to dance together in the centre. Faranthir was becoming nervous now, but knew she couldn't turn Legolas down. Legolas watched her intently as she socialised with some Elves from Lothlorien.

Without a word to his brother, Legolas got up and calmly walked over to Faranthir's table. From the corner of her eye she could see him approaching, but only looked at his fine form when he stood before her.

"Would you care to dance, milady?" He asked politely, offering his hand. Harathnor hadn't noticed the Prince approach, but now hearing this was filled with rage. Unfortunately for him, Faranthir accepted before he could say anything.

"Yes. Thank you," she replied and took his hand, but deliberately did not look behind her. If she had though, she would have seen her father's fuming expression.

Unlike Harathnor, Thranduil was not angry, but intrigued.

"How does he do it?" Lerogan asked his father, "Any woman he wants..."

Thranduil didn't reply.

Legolas took Faranthir's left hand with his right and put his other arm around her waist. Tonight, he was dressed in a deep red, embroidered tunic with matching breeches and looked pretty good in it too! As the next song began they moved in time to the music, waltzing between other partners.

"Good evening, my stunning elleth in green!"

"Good evening, Legolas. Thank you."

He looked across the hall to seek the face of Faranthir's father. It was not good.

"Your father looks, erm, unhappy, to say the least."

"Oh forget about him. I shall deal with him later!"

Legolas chuckled. Harathnor was watching them like a hawk and seeing Legolas laughing did not make his mood any better.

"Who is the brother that looked at me earlier, I hope he is not like the other one?" She said a little concerned that he could be.

"That was Lerogan, and thankfully he is nothing like Laigolin. He is a good friend too, you have no need to worry about him; we just tend to like the same women, that is why he looked at you."

Faranthir looked over to find Thranduil, and saw that his eyebrows were knitted, pondering at the strange couple.

"Your father does not look angry, just puzzled!"

"Well, he does not actually hate the South contrary to popular belief. He might even like you if he ever met you."

"You're not suggesting that I meet him now??"

"Oh no, Faranthir! Of course not!"

"Good." They separated partially as part of the routine, crossed between another couple, and then came back together again.

"I want to see you later, I need to tell you something," Faranthir whispered into his ear.

"Alright."

The song was coming to an end and Faranthir knew they would have to part soon.

"I don't think I can face my father at the moment. Come and meet me in a while, up on the wall where we were the other night."

He nodded then bowed as Faranthir curtsied, the traditional ending of the dance. Legolas went back to his table and Faranthir left the hall, much to her father's surprise and infuriation. He needed a serious talk with her, what on Middle Earth was she doing dancing with a Prince of Mirkwood?!

She walked up to the wall and admired another beautiful evening in Gondor.

About ten minutes after Faranthir had left, Legolas got up quietly and said, "I think I need some fresh air,"

"Oh, I'll come too!" Lerogan exclaimed. Legolas couldn't think of an excuse to stop him, so he simply smiled.

The two brothers strolled out of the hall and started heading towards the wall, Legolas wondering what he would say to Lerogan before they got to Faranthir.

"And did you see the maiden in the pink dress? She looked dazzling but not nearly as much as the Princess of the North! Wow, she is something special. She's engaged though isn't she? It's a shame, because I'd love to-" Lerogan was cut short.

"Stop!" Legolas ordered grabbing his brother by the shoulders.

"What?" Lerogan asked confused. Legolas released a heavy sigh.

"Lerogan, I trust you with my life. I want to trust you with something else, but it's very important that no-one else hears of this at all, especially our father! Please, you swear to me that you will not say a thing."

Lerogan looked more bemused, "Alright, Legolas, I swear it."

"A few months ago the Princess Faranthir and I met when I discovered her within our borders. And then we met again here. And we found that we both felt the same way about each other," He sighed again, "I suppose what I am trying to tell you, Lerogan is that she and I are together – we are a couple."

Lerogan's stood in silence for a few moments contemplating what he had just been told.

"And what about Medethran? Is the Princess engaged?" he questioned.

"I will not marry Medethran, and yes she is engaged, but to a terrible person who has done terrible things to her. She seeks my love, Lerogan, and I want to give it to her!"

"If you think you can make this work, then I am happy for you, brother, but..."

"I know, but I do not want to give her up."

"And you are going to see her now?" he asked.

"Yes I am, she's up on the wall."

"May I come? She should know that I know."

Legolas nodded. They proceeded towards the wall and when Faranthir caught sight of Legolas, she smiled, but quickly frowned when she saw who he was with. She watched them approach and was becoming more worried when Legolas made no attempt to stop Lerogan. As they finally met, Legolas went to kiss Faranthir on the cheek, but she pulled away, her eyes fixed on Lerogan the whole time.

"What is he doing here?" she asked suspiciously.

"It's alright, he knows, I told him."

"Good evening," Lerogan greeted her.

"Good evening Prince Lerogan," she replied, still cautious of him.

"I want you to know that I support your decision of being together. Legolas is very lucky.

"You do?" This was amazing, two persons approved of them! "Thank you, but nay, it is I that am lucky to have him."

Lerogan smiled. "Well I shall leave you in peace. Good night"

"Good night," they chanted simultaneously.

Once he was out of sight, Legolas pressed his lips against hers. Faranthir was taken aback by this sudden behaviour, typical of Tethril, and placed a hand on his chest. He knew immediately what this meant and pulled away.

"Sorry," he said remorsefully, "But I find it very hard to resist when you look like that."

"It's alright, just be gentle. I'll show you."

She put her arm around his neck and tenderly pecked his lips, slowly changing it into a proper kiss. He cupped her face and followed her lead, softly tasting her tongue. She reached down his tunic to find the necklace. It was still there. Faranthir smiled at him.

"And where is yours?" He asked her looking at the silver pendant currently taking its place.

"It would have gone perfectly with this dress but my father would have seen it."

Faranthir shivered in the cool air of the night.

"Come with me," he persuaded her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

She shook her head, "I want to tell you something."

"Go on."

She sighed, wondering if this was going to sound completely stupid, "Earlier today, my mother came to me. Her voice spoke to me." Legolas looked stunned, "She said that you were right one for me. She said she knew about Tethril. She said she would never have chosen him as a husband for me. She said we could unite Mirkwood."

The tears were stinging again in her eyes. Legolas held her to his chest, in awe of what Faranthir had told him. He was the right one? This had been said by the former Queen of the South??

"I will take you home, come on."

They stepped inside Faranthir's lodgings and Legolas shut the door behind them. She lit a candle by the bed.

"Lie down on the bed," he ordered. Faranthir took off her shoes and did as he said. He sat on the side stroking her hair. They hadn't spoken a word on the way back, Legolas thinking about what he should say.

"Your mother cares for you deeply, Faranthir. I believe she would only have said those things if she had wanted you to know them. You shouldn't cry, you should be joyful. Both her and Lerogan approve! Perhaps this means someone else like your or my father could approve." Faranthir smiled. He lent over and kissed her softly on her forehead.

"Good night, Faranthir." He got up to go, but she grabbed his hand. Legolas looked back to find her sat up.

"Please don't go. I sleep so peacefully next to you because I feel protected. Please Legolas, stay."

She tightened her grip on his hand. He stood for a moment considering what was best. Eventually, he decided that if she slept better with him by her side, he should stay.

He undid the clasp at the top of her dress for her and she went behind the screen to change into her nightwear. This was a knee-length dress with a silvery thread woven in between the red material.

She stepped out and Legolas observed as she put the dress away and brushed her hair. The vibrant red that covered her slim body and long legs were very arousing to Legolas. He hadn't been with a woman in over six months due to his engagement to Medethran, which now made him ache. She turned around to find him staring at her.

"What is it?"

"Nothing," he gulped, "Well, not nothing really. I just think that I am the luckiest Elf alive because I have you."

She lay down beside him as he propped himself up on one elbow.

"Thank you but you are wrong." He shook his head then lowered it. She gave him a short kiss and bade him good night. They settled down beneath the covers, they both lay on their sides facing each other, Faranthir's head buried in Legolas' chest. He kissed the top of her head then laid his own down on the pillow and began to drift off to sleep.

A loud knock at the door startled them both.

"Faranthir? Are you asleep? I need to speak to you." It was her father.